The restaurant industry is bombarded by political, legislative and regulatory issues playing out all over the country, not to mention activism. All of it can have an immediate or long-term impact on business models. In a world of rapid social media response, our employees and customers are also aware of these debates in town halls, state capitols and in Congress. Restaurant operators need to understand what’s happening, why it’s happening, how it impacts their business and how to prepare for it.
It would be almost impossible for operators, on their own, to keep track of everything happening at the federal, state and local level. That’s why Black Box Intelligence (formerly TDn2K) has partnered with Align Public Strategies, the best in the business, to provide operators with the necessary information about public affairs issues that could affect relationships with employees and customers. The best part is that it comes in an easy-to-digest format to get you up-to-speed quickly.
Many of you have heard Joe Kefauver at Black Box Intelligence (formerly TDn2K) conferences. He is the managing partner at Align Public Strategies and a veteran counselor to senior executives in the restaurant and retail space. Align has sources at all levels of government informing them daily about the current state of legislative and regulatory actions, the political pressures that could sway a debate and what activist influences are disrupting business objectives.
The Workforce Intelligence (formerly People Report) Monthly Public Policy Update is a rundown of the top legislative and regulatory issues that directly impact businesses. This month’s report details for restaurant operators the latest on 17 different issues that affect business models. This ranges from wages, scheduling and paid leave to healthcare, pay equity and joint employer laws. You’ll also find new information about labor policy at the federal level that could impact your workers and how a delay in menu labeling compliance in the U.S. is changing the way at least one major city is handling enforcement over the issue.
Highlights from May
One scheduling update for operators to keep an eye on in New York City is a newly enacted “fair workweek” legislative package that allows employees to designate part of their salaries to a nonprofit (worker centers) of their choice, which the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) hopes will create a revenue source for efforts to organize fast food workers. It also bans employers from requiring employees to work consecutive shifts with less than 11 hours between shifts and requires employers with available hours to offer shifts to existing employees before hiring new ones.
President Trump’s budget proposal contains language he first used on the campaign trail which includes a plan to provide paid leave to new mothers, fathers and adoptive parents. The Align report details more of the plan’s details and explains what is likely to happen next.
Need more?
Each month, we’ll also include a link to Align’s “Working Lunch” podcast in the report. It’s a weekly discussion about policy and politics that matter to restaurant operators. Hear how executives at top brands are staying informed.
Are you a member of Workforce Intelligence (formerly People Report)? Lucky you! You can now download the latest Monthly Public Policy Update from the Workforce Intelligence (formerly People Report) E-File Cabinet in the Resources tab.
I’m not a Workforce Intelligence (formerly People Report) member…
Time to become one! Contact Melissa Doolin-Koehne at melissa.doolin-koehne@tdn2k.com for more information on Workforce Intelligence (formerly People Report)’s exclusive workforce data and insights.
